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Kawasaki Z900RS initial review; Facts of modernized Z1

India Kawasaki Motor has silently launched the Z900RS naked motorcycle at ₹ 15.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle based on the Z900 but it’s been redesigned to the extent you wouldn’t recognise it, with styling inspired by the Z1 of the 1970s.

The motorcycle is a full import from Japan through the completely built unit (CBU) route, a reason for the high price tag.

At a glance

Make: Kawasaki

Model: Z900RS

Tech specs:

Engine Type: 4-stroke, Inline-4 DOHC, 4-Valves per cylinder

Engine Displacement: 948cc

Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 56.0mm

Compression ratio: 10.8:1

Fueling: EFI w/ 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Cooling: Liquid

Transmission: 6-speed

Build

The bike is gorgeous, especially in the metal

Fit and finish are remarkable, even down to the frame paint

LED headlight

Classic and basic twin clocks, and that’s exactly their appeal. Traditional dual analog clocks sit on either side of an LCD dash that includes gear position indicator, fuel gauge, temp gauge, and other essentials.

Great job of polishing the headers and giving it a classic look

The exhaust is a real piece of work

Underseat storage for tool box

Ride Quality

RS is more refined, sophisticated and has a casual feel

Brembo sourced 300 mm dual-floating front discs and a single 250 petal disc at the rear offers superb control

The Z900 has conventional four-pot calipers, the Z900RS has new radial-mounted ones,

KRTC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and ABS as standard. Traction control has an option to switch it off

Inverted fork is fully adjustable. Suspension does its job so well, keeping the bike poised, balanced and behave exactly as it should at all times

Handles incredibly well in straight lines as well as corners

The Powertrain

A responsive machine

The 948cc engine has some serious spunk

6-speed gearbox with the shorter first gear, while sixth gear is taller to make it more highway friendly

No dual exhaust. The 4-into-1 system reduces weight and allows for more power